Terrence Higgins Trust has announced the appointment of Niall Bolger as its next chair. He will take up the role later this year, following the charity’s AGM in December, and begins his term as a trustee this month.

Bolger was London’s longest-serving council chief executive until January 2025, having led both Hounslow and Sutton Councils. He now works in climate finance and regeneration and was previously a trustee of the Centre for Local Economic Strategies. He also led London Councils’ work on the environment for ten years.

Diagnosed with HIV in 1990, Bolger has sought support from Terrence Higgins Trust over the past four decades, witnessing first-hand the transformation in HIV treatment. What was once a life-threatening diagnosis is now a manageable condition, with treatment so effective you can’t pass HIV on during sex, even without a condom.

Niall Bolger, a white man with grey hair and grey round-rimmed glasses, smiling.
Niall Bolger will take on the role of chair later this year.

Speaking about his nomination, Niall Bolger said:

‘Terrence Higgins Trust is embarked on a historic mission: to end the HIV epidemic and stop new HIV cases in the UK by 2030. We could be the first country to do it and the first virus to be stopped in its tracks without a vaccine or a cure. I can’t think of a more exciting time to pull my sleeves up and get involved.

‘Having lived with HIV since 1990, I have lived the change from AIDS to HIV over four decades. From no treatment options to treatment so effective you can’t pass it on during sex, even without a condom. The charity has been with me every step of the way since I was diagnosed at the age of 24 - I know the impact of Terrence Higgins Trust’s services, making a difference to thousands of people’s lives every year.

‘I am thrilled to have been appointed as the chair designate and honoured to succeed Jonathan who has diligently and skilfully chaired the charity through a period of great change. The team is firing on all cylinders, and I can’t wait to add power to their elbow.’

Jonathan McShane, who is stepping down after nine years as Chair of the Board of Trustees, said:

'Niall is an exemplary public servant, with a career dedicated to delivering high-quality services that make a real difference to people and communities. Terrence Higgins Trust is not immune to the pressures on the charity sector right now, and Niall’s skills and experience will help us to meet those challenges and continue to support people affected by HIV.

‘We want everyone with HIV to be diagnosed, and everyone diagnosed to live with support and dignity. Nobody should be held back due to the virus – or people’s attitudes towards it. We can only do this because of the huge generosity of our donors and supporters.

‘Niall is a wonderful example of how people can thrive while living with HIV when they get the support they need. His insight from living with HIV for 35 years will be invaluable as we work to ensure everyone who needs our support can access it.’

The AGM is 11 December 2025, where Niall will be the board of trustees’ nominee for chair to be elected by the members of the charity.